Pope County had the first and second place Junior Teams in the state Hippology contest. Pictured (from left) is ClaireAnna Harmon, MaKenzie Bartlett, Dayna Walker, Katelyn Danzy, Libby Bailey, Hillyn Vardeman and Jenna Meimerstorf. (THE COURIER / Submitted)

The University of Arkansas division of agriculture provides research based information to county extension offices. The extension offices then provide this information to the public.

Robbie Rye, with the Pope County extension office, said that 4-H is a youth program that uses that information for education.

“4H provides hands on learning opportunities,” Rye said. “They get education all day in school but they like the hands on approach.”

Recently, seven Pope County 4-H Wrangler Club members participated in the Arkansas State 4-H Horse Show competition known as Hippology.

“We have had a group of young ladies that have been studying about horses,” Rye said. “Every year at our state 4-H horse show they have competitions. Not only do they have riding competitions, but they also have what we consider contests.”

These contests test the participants in all things horse. Topics include subjects such as feed, where the contestants need to know not only the type of feed but also information like protein content. Other topics include the skeletal system of a horse, shoes, saddles and other equipment.

Hillyn Vardeman, 12, said that she has always been interested in horses and enjoys learning more about them.

“I’ve been able to do it with all of my friends so that’s been really fun too,” Vardeman said. “We’re all kind of horse crazy I guess so I’ve really enjoyed it.”

Vardeman also participated in a public speaking contest where she placed second.

“It was really fun because I got to use what I learned and I got the chance to speak in public which is something I’ve been working really hard on lately,” Vardeman said.

Pope County brought two teams to the competion. The teams brought home first and second places in the team scores and also placed first, second, third, fourth and fifth in individual scores.

“These young ladies have been studying all year long to learn this stuff, they’ve been giving their time once a week for the last year,” Rye said. “I’m really proud of them, it’s a tough test.”

Libby Bailey, 13, said that she enjoyed participating in the competition.

“I just love doing it because it’s very fun and it gets me to do things with my friends,” Bailey said. “I just love being around horses and learning about them.”

Katelyn Danzy, 12, said that she was looking forward to going back next year. She said she enjoys the experience and getting to have fun with her friends. Pope County also took first place in the Horse Bowl. This is a quiz competition that requires contestants to be fast and knowldgeable.